Linking the Tourism and Hospitality Industry and Academia – My Journey and Perspectives
Date: 11 April 2025 (Friday)
Time: 11:30-12:45
Venue: E4-G068
Moderator: Prof. Glenn James MCCARTNEY
Dr. DeVonne Iao
SVP & CMO of Sands China Ltd.
Abstract
In this talk, Dr. Iao shares her personal and professional journey bridging the worlds of tourism, hospitality, and academia. Drawing from her extensive leadership experience in integrated resort marketing and her doctoral research in education, she will offer unique perspectives on how academic insights can inform industry practices—and vice versa. Through reflections on her career at Sands China Ltd. and her research on teacher recruitment and retention in Macao, Dr. Iao will highlight the value of interdisciplinary thinking and cross-sector collaboration in shaping the future of tourism and hospitality.
Speaker Bio
Dr. Iao is from Macao and received her Doctor of Education in 2023 from University of Southern California and MBA in International Business from Seattle University in 2005. She is the Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Sands China Ltd, joining the company in 2010. While her career focus has evolved around the multiple key aspects of integrated resort marketing, promotion, and customer loyalty, Dr. Iao’s doctorate degree research interests have examined education and in particular the recruitment and retention of native English speaking teachers in Macao.
All are welcome!
